The initiative takes place in a wider context of a company relocation to the former 50ha Fonterra property south of Hamilton.

Company CEO, Craig Vincent, says that land preparation is underway on the site of the glass plant which is scheduled to produce double-glazed units early in 2020. The entry into the glass sector brings to completion APL’s vertical integration as a ‘full portfolio’ component supplier to its more than 70 window and door manufacturers around the country.

Mr Vincent says that APL is looking to relocate its operations to Hautapu from four sites it currently occupies at Te Rapa, Hamilton. Company growth has put current facilities under pressure. A long-term perspective has led to the selection of the Hautapu site where a campus-style, APL industrial subdivision is planned, under the design of the Jasmax Group. The relocation of the diversified company operations will be staged over the next five years.